A significant number of Americans are taking prescription medications for depression. Those who take these medications and experience a decrease in their symptoms are cheerleaders for pharmacological treatment when they learn a friend or family member has been diagnosed with the disease. Those who have been depressed but who have NOT taken meds are often critical of those who do. Often, so are those who have never been depressed. Usually these people are arguing from ignorance, and if one of these individuals is a significant other, it can exacerbate the symptoms.
In spite of the large number of people who take anti-depressants, there are still some things that every person needs to know about depression and depression medication safety.
- Depressed people are at a high risk for suicide. Some medications can be lethal if taken at a high enough dose. If you are the one who is in danger, have a friend keep your meds for you, and only give you a one day supply at a time.
- Don’t get 90 day supplies. It’s just not wise. You may feel fine one minute, and swallowing 90 pills the next.
- Ask your doctor about what the main side effects might be, how long they may last, and when to call the doctor.
- If you read the inserts that come with samples, do not allow any warnings to scare you out of taking your medication. Discuss concerns with your doctor, and research further to understand their potential impact on your health.
Some of the most common side effects of these medications are nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation.
A lot of media attention has been given to the fact that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide in children, teens, and young adults. The best treatment in these cases is administration in a controlled environment until this risk is assessed and the patient is considered safe to be released.
Different classes of anti-depressants have side effects that occur more frequently in one group than in another. A little research on your part can assist your physician in making a good selection. Anti-depressant drug safety requires stringent precautions due to the serious nature of the disease. Education is the best way to understand, and hopefully prevent a tragedy, and this education should occur at the first signs of the illness.
Take care or yourself, your family, and your friends. Educate yourself. Pop that Prozac if the doctor recommends it and you feel the need to give it a shot; don’t be critical if someone you know does the same. This decision is personal. Have hope and show support for all who are forced to make it.
Tamara Duker Freuman, R.D.
Tasha Gerken, R.D.
Chef Jason Hull
So-Mai Brown, M.A.
Kathy Sinsheimer, M.F.T. Psychoanalyst
Sarah Nicole Robertson, RD,CDN